Preschool Closer

THE Y: WE’RE FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, our staff—of all ages and from diverse backgrounds and life experiences—work to bridge the gap in community needs by nurturing the potential of children and teens, improving the nation’s health and well-being and providing support to our neighbors. Simply put, the Y is for everyone. Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you’ll enjoy a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

Pay Range: Starting at $11.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Position Summary:

Consistent with the Christian mission and vision of the YMCA of Middle TN, and in cooperation with other YMCA staff, under the direction of the Preschool Director and/or Coordinator, the Preschool Closer is responsible for ensuring the care, safety, and well being of all children in the group The Preschool Closer must carry out a developmentally appropriate program geared to pre-school children and be able to demonstrate, verbally and by role modeling, a sound knowledge of good teaching practices and child development knowledge. The Preschool Closer must have a thorough knowledge of center philosophy; policies, TDHS licensing, TNELDS, ITERS/ECERS criteria, and the ability to positively communicate them to co-workers, parents, and community. The Preschool Closer will be under the supervision of the Lead Teacher.

Essential Functions:

• Model the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
• Ensure safe and risk free environment at all times while meeting the individual needs of the children
• Responsible for the daily cleaning and sanitary condition of classroom, toys and spaces used with the YMCA
• Promote healthy nutrition habits by sitting and eating with the children, encouraging children to “try” new foods
• Assist in caring out lesson plans, reports and requested tasks promptly and accurately
• Follow all DHS and YMCA policies and procedures
• Address challenging behaviors of students with the Lead Teacher initially
• Establish and maintain professional, ongoing, 2-way communications with parents or guardians regarding their child’s daily activities
• Make learning meaningful by being attentive and responsive to children’s interest and needs. Use instruction to deepen children’s understanding by building skill and knowledge
• Identify and make use of community resources and partnerships
• Maintain confidentiality concerning all children
• Must take daily attendance of children and know total number of children in classroom at all times
• Implement procedures to prevent incidents of child abuse; identify incidents of abuse and report them in appropriate and timely manner
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions

Qualifications:

Passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to the mission and cause of the YMCA

An enthusiastic personality with the desire to serve members, volunteers, guests, participants and staff to create a culture of service within our Centers

Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community

• Must present a professional image and possess conflict resolution skills, and demonstrate sound judgment and initiative
• Must be highly organized with the ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
• Minimum 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent required; 2 years experience in child development or related experience
• TECTA preferred
• Adequate knowledge of current evidence and research based developmentally appropriate practices to provide the leadership needed to develop a stimulating learning environment that supports language learning, literacy practices, math play, science explorations, positive approaches to learning and the building of strong social and emotional development in each child

Certifications Required:

Before start of 1st shift:

• New Hire Orientation training
• DHS Background Disclosure Form & Fingerprint appointment
• Abuse Registry Check
• DHS Physical health form
• Proof of education
• Completed references report
• Past Employment reference

Within 30 days of hire:

• Basic Life Support, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen

Within 6 months of hire:

• Enroll in TECTA program

Must meet annual training requirements